Irish beef trade experiencing strong demand

on 08 March 2018.

IFA national livestock chairman Angus Woods said the beef trade has further strengthened this week.

Some factories are increasing quotes by 5c/kg. Angus said, in general, the base price for steers being bought this week is €3.95/kg and €4.05/kg for heifers.He said some plants are quoting lower but others are doing deals at higher levels to secure numbers. He said price offers of €4.00 and €4.10/kg for steers and heifers have been made.The cow trade is strong, driven by very strong demand for manufacturing beef. According to Angus, very few cows are selling below €3.30/kg with the majority trading between €3.40 and €3.60/kg and top-quality cows making over €3.70/kg.Angus said there is active demand at factory level and clearly some pent-up retail and wholesale demand from the weather disruptions in both Ireland and the UK of last week. Llast week the kill fell back to less than 25,000 adult cattle, which was also driving demand this week.